Michael Jamin might be a newbie at the Edinburgh Fringe this year but he is certainly no stranger to the industry. The Emmy-nominated screenwriter of King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head and Wilfred to name but a few is presenting his one-man show C-Venues. I caught up with him to find out about the show and his thoughts on what to expect in Edinburgh.
What’s your show called at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 and what is it about?
My solo show is called A Paper Orchestra, and it’s based on my collection of short stories which Vulture named “Best Comedy Books of 2024.” It tells the true story of discovering that my neighbour was a hoarder. This filled me with judgment, which is a quality I loath in myself even though I’m so good at it you’d think I’d be proud. Exploring his house, I had to admit I was keeping my painful secret.
What is the history of your show? Has it been performed anywhere else in the world before bringing it to Edinburgh?
I’ve been a TV writer for 28 years, having written on such hit shows as King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-Head, Wilfred, Just Shoot Me, Rules of Engagement and more. I think people are surprised to learn that as a TV writer, I don’t write what I want to write. I write what people pay me to write. All this started to weigh on me. It started making writing feel like a job. One day, I decided to tell the stories that I wanted to write. The ones I couldn’t put on television. That became the basis of my book, which turned into the solo show. I’ve toured with it throughout North America, performing in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Seattle and San Francisco. Along the way, the show has evolved into the one I’m performing at Edinburgh.
What are your plans for the show after the Edinburgh Fringe?
I think many artists bring their show to Edinburgh hoping to be discovered by someone like me — a writer/producer who can pitch it to Hollywood. But that’s not my goal. I get so much joy performing it live on stage. It’s an experience that audiences simply can’t get from watching television. It’s more intimate and powerful. I’d like to continue performing on the road, hopefully setting up an extended run somewhere. Maybe after a year or so, I’d consider pitching it to Hollywood. But for right now, hearing people laugh and cry while I’m on stage is all the reward I need.
Is it your first time at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Yes, and I’ve already mastered the correct pronunciation. It’s Edin-burra.
Over 3,500 shows are performing – how do you think you will cope with the overwhelming chaos that the Fringe brings?
You’re right, it is overwhelming. I might only be able to see half of them.
What sort of other shows will you see if you have time? Has anything caught your eye from the programme?
I plan on relying on word of mouth. Whatever people seem to be talking about. There’s such a great mix of artists. I’m looking forward to being inspired by the wealth of creativity at the Fringe. Also, in America, we spell it “program.” I’m telling you this from experience, you don’t need that extra “me.” Think of the time you could save!
Any advice about flyering?
This is my first time flyering. I’m told I should remove the toilet paper from all the public restrooms and replace it with flyers for my show. Is this bad advice?
Do you have any “good luck” rituals you undertake before performing?
In many ways, A Paper Orchestra is an apology to my daughter. The ending is difficult to perform, but that’s what makes the show so moving. I carry one of her handkerchiefs in my pocket during all my performances. It’s not for good luck, but in my mind, it’s how she can hear me.
How have you found booking accommodation?
No. I was supposed to do this in advance? I’m kidding, we booked our room months ago. It’s costing a fortune.
What three pieces of advice would you give to first-timers going to the Fringe?
1. Relax, theatre is supposed to be fun
2. Put on a great show and everything else will fall in place 3. Don’t listen to me. I’m a first-timer too.
Have you performed at any other Fringes? If so which has been your favourite so far?
We just finished a run of 5 shows at the Hollywood Fringe, but it’s a very different experience from Edinburgh. Hollywood isn’t much of a live theatre town. We’re more focused on making movies and TV shows. I expect Edinburgh to be the next level in terms of audience enthusiasm for live entertainment.
The show is directed and produced by my wife, Cynthia, whom I first met on the set of Just Shoot Me. She was a guest star. She later appeared in multiple episodes of Friends, Seinfeld, ER, Will & Grace, Veronica’s Closet, Suddenly Susan and more. She understands theatre and the show is so strong because of her involvement. If you want to meet Jasmine (Phoebe’s co-worker in Friends) come to the show.
Michael Jamin in the European premiere of A Paper Orchestra at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Monday 18 – Sunday 24 August
C ARTS | C venues | C aquila 13.35 (60mins)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-paper-orchestra
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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